The only way we will know for sure who is correct is with hindsight. Perhaps Sophos itself presents a back door that will get exploited.

I think what's most important is backing up important data.

I make a bootable clone when I first set up my system, prior to installing user data. Then I make a bootable clone along they way as I build my computer up with data. Important data ie. the stuff I create also gets stored on yet another external hard drive and burnt to DVDs for archival purposes.

At least I know I'll always be able to recover MY data. The remainder can always be reproduced.

For my photos, which is probably the stuff I care about the most, I burnt a DVD and mailed it to my brother for off site backup.

I personally don't run antivirus software. I work at an Apple reseller store. Any Mac security issue, I know about within 10 minutes of it taking place. I'm not at all worried.

You guys follow the forums obviously, you will know within the day.

I highly agree with Cyphers' thinking. If you are at all concerned about passing a virus on to a PC. It's best to stop it in its tracks. This is why some companies mandate the you run antivirus software, even if you are running a Mac.

Perhaps I'm being socially irresponsible by choosing not to run antivirus software, but that's my choice.

However, you might want to back it with facts. An opinion on its own, is probably better not expressed. Same goes for blanket statements ie. Macs suck, PCs suck.

I'm not going to go through the expense and effort of making my home hurricane proof, when there has never been a hurricane in my area. Nor am I going to live my life as a Doomsday Prepper. But I do have my data backed up. If my system got a virus I could be up and running virus free within 2 minutes. (see previous post regarding bootable clone).

However, you might want to back it with facts. An opinion on its own, is probably better not expressed. Same goes for blanket statements ie. Macs suck, PCs suck.

I'm not going to go through the expense and effort of making my home hurricane proof, when there has never been a hurricane in my area. Nor am I going to live my life as a Doomsday Prepper. But I do have my data backed up. If my system got a virus I could be up and running virus free within 2 minutes. (see previous post regarding bootable clone).

The fact is Sophos is a good anti virus software and I have been using it with no problems for over one year.There is always a chance something unpredictable will happen in life. Nothing is certain.Even macs are vulnerable.

The fact is Sophos is a good anti virus software and I have been using it with no problems for over one year.There is always a chance something unpredictable will happen in life. Nothing is certain.Even macs are vulnerable.

Again, I don't doubt it has been working with no problem as there are currently zero viruses that can create a problem for you on the Mac. The fact is my lack of software works better and is infinitely more effective under the circumstances, there is no arguing with that fact.

If it makes you happy to use it groovy. Recommending it based on how great it does nothing and protects against nothing is just plain wacky. The king has no clothes._________________2.3 GHz i7 Mini (stock)
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The fact is Sophos is a good anti virus software and I have been using it with no problems for over one year.There is always a chance something unpredictable will happen in life. Nothing is certain.Even macs are vulnerable.

Again, I don't doubt it has been working with no problem as there are currently zero viruses that can create a problem for you on the Mac. The fact is my lack of software works better and is infinitely more effective under the circumstances, there is no arguing with that fact.

If it makes you happy to use it groovy. Recommending it based on how great it does nothing and protects against nothing is just plain wacky. The king has no clothes.

It is a good anti virus software and because you do not like it others may.Like i said Apple can be hacked it is not 100% guaranteed this cannot happen.

Now, now, let's play nice. I personally respect Marv's choice, even though I don't run antivirus software. As mentioned in previous posts it can have some benefits, especially if you are working in a mixed PC environment.

I think our energy is better served by discussing backup software etc. Whether or not you run antivirus, eventually hard drives fail, computers get stolen, liquid damage, we purchase new machines and need to transfer data etc. These are items that will likely effect every Mac user within the next 5 years.

Now, now, let's play nice. I personally respect Marv's choice, even though I don't run antivirus software. As mentioned in previous posts it can have some benefits, especially if you are working in a mixed PC environment.

I think our energy is better served by discussing backup software etc. Whether or not you run antivirus, eventually hard drives fail, computers get stolen, liquid damage, we purchase new machines and need to transfer data etc. These are items that will likely effect every Mac user within the next 5 years.

I was playing nice. and drawing a line under it.
We would have just gone around and around in circles saying oh yes it is, oh no it isn't. in the UK we'd say it was turning into Pantomime season_________________Phil